She's co-hosted Strictly Come Dancing for almost 20 years - fronting the huge popular talent who alongside the late Bruce Forsyth before Claudia Winkleman took over as her co-host in 2014.
But insiders say Tess Daly, 54, has been left fearing for her future on the programme amid reports BBC bosses are interested in poaching her friend, Holly Willoughby, 42, from ITV to front the hit Saturday-night show.
After allegedly trying to tempt the This Morning host over “for years”, last week a BBC insider revealed how chiefs think that Strictly – which pulls in a whopping seven million viewers per episode – could be the way to tempt the star into finally making the move.
Last November, ITV bosses were said to be “seething” after the BBC made Holly guest of honour on their table at the Variety Showbusiness Awards in what they saw as a public display to lure her.
The mum-of-three, who was seen arriving at Glastonbury Festival – hosted by the BBC – by helicopter last month, has presented a handful of shows for them in the past, including Freeze The Fear With Wim Hof. But Beeb execs are now said to want to offer Holly their highest-rated show in a bid to make her their golden girl.
And reports further claim that after a dramatic few weeks for Holly with Phillip Schofield’s affair scandal being exposed and viewers calling for her to be axed after his departure, the BBC think it could be the perfect time to recruit her.
Our source says, “It seems like there’s a big project afoot to lure her over – and although it would mean moving things around on the show somehow, there are some executives at the BBC who really want it to happen.”
And insiders say Tess has understandably been left feeling unnerved.
The source says, “Strictly is Tess’ baby and to hear that Holly could be brought in to replace her has left her feeling incredibly upset, hurt and of course worried about potentially losing something that means the world to her.
“While it’s just hearsay right now, she knows the reports must have come from someone high up on the show and it’s also left her feeling unnerved and extremely paranoid.
“She knows how cut-throat the TV industry can be and how quickly one can fall from grace, but after being on the show for almost two decades, she’d assumed her job was secure.
“The latest bombshell rumours have thrown that all up in the air and Tess is now panicking about not only Holly coming in and stealing her job, but the humiliation and embarrassment that would come with that after giving it her all for so many years.”
Last year, Tess followed in Holly’s footsteps by venturing into the wellness world – bagging a six-figure deal to launch her own guide.
Insiders at the time told Closer that while Holly was proud of her pal – who she’s known for years after being closely aligned in the presenting world – she was worried about how that might affect their friendship.
The pair have followed remarkably similar career paths. Like Holly, Tess – who shares daughters, Phoebe, 18, and Amber, 13, with radio presenter Vernon Kay, 49 – began her career as a model before finding fame as a TV host in the early noughties with SMTV, Children In Need and Sport Relief.
After welcoming her eldest son, Harry, 13, Holly – who also shares Belle, 11, and eight-year-old Chester with producer, Dan Baldwin – revealed how she’d almost invited Tess and Vernon, who were touring the maternity ward at the time, into the hospital just moments after giving birth.
The duo – who hang out in similar circles with fellow presenters including Claudia, Emma Willis and Fearne Cotton – have also supported each other both personally and professionally over the years, despite often being seen as competitors in their industry.
And sources say Tess is not only worried about her future career, but also the consequences it could have for their friendship.
The source adds, “While Holly and Tess are used to being pitted against one another,
the latest reports have taken things to a new level. If Holly ends up replacing Tess, it will no doubt spell the end of their friendship and create a lot of bitterness, which could seep out into their social circle too – and put their mutual friends in very awkward positions.
“Tess is eager to talk to Holly about the reports – she refuses to believe that she would think about betraying her on something like this – but Vernon has urged her to just keep her head down. He’s reminded her of what a tough time Holly has been through and urged her to talk to her Strictly bosses if anything,
so she can get some clarity on the situation.
“She’s hoping that the rumour mill has been spun and it’s all just hearsay, but of course it’s ruffled Tess’ feathers and she’s naturally now on tenterhooks.
“Whatever happens, she’s grateful to have the love and support of Vernon and her daughters, insisting that as long as she has them by her side, she’ll be OK.”